Grains Extension Manager (Darling Downs)

Job Description

Are you an experienced Manager with a passion for agriculture and innovation? Do you thrive in roles where your communication and networking skills can shine? An opportunity is now available to join our team within the Ag Tech Adoption Team at UniSQ where you will play a key management role in delivering real outcomes to Australian grain growers. UniSQ, in partnership with the Southern Queensland Northern New South Wales (SQNNSW) Drought and Innovation Hub, will develop and deliver a pilot scale extension program for the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern grains region. This pilot program will improve extension adoption of grains industry research on the Darling Downs and ensure an effective and co-ordinated approach to engage and connect with grower advisors and other research providers. What you’ll do In this key role, you will establish, lead and manage the Darling Downs Node for the grains industry, as well as connect and work with the National Grower Network (NGN) to contribute to co-innovation and identify areas of interest for the local grains industry for training and extension activities. Your initial priorities will include: Providing operational leadership for the Darling Downs Node and overseeing the day-to-day operations as well as building networks and collaborative relationships within the grains industry in the Darling Downs. Leading discussions and the development of complex business proposals and project management functions. Working with key extension providers to encourage grower participation at extension events and activities which are aimed at improving grower and advisor engagement and uptake of new practices and technologies within the grains industry. Travel will be a requirement of this position and the successful candidate will require a valid Australian Driver’s Licence. What will help you succeed Together with your relevant qualifications, key to your success in this role will be your experience in project management leadership as well as your exceptional communication skills and ability to build collaborative stakeholder relationships. You will also have: An ability to apply strategic, innovative thinking to identify and understand key agricultural and rural community decisions related to drought resilience. Experience working with, or the ability to work with, grain growers and their advisors as well as an understanding of farming systems in the region. Highly developed liaison, facilitation and presentation skills with an ability to translate research outcomes into practice. Experience in preparing reports, plans, policies, briefing papers and other complex documentation to provide recommendations and advice to key stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative and supportive environment where you can help shape the future of the grain industry in the Darling Downs. To be considered for this position, you must have the right to work in Australia. Reference Number : 0284_12/24 Location : Toowoomba Term : Full-time contingent-funded appointment until 30 September 2026 (36 hours/week) Salary : Total remuneration range $129,036 pa to $148,172 pa (includes salary range of $109,029 pa to $125,198 pa, employer super contributions up to 17% and annual leave loading) Closes : Sunday, 2 March 2025 at 11:30 pm (AEST) At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision-making. If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two-page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description. #J-18808-Ljbffr